What is a politics & international affairs degree?

Virtually everything we do in life hinges on politics – education, housing, healthcare and how we interact with other nations. We study political science to become knowledgeable global citizens. Learning about other cultures and political systems sharpens communication, critical thinking and analysis skills to help us tackle political, social and economic problems.

Why study politics & international affairs at Furman?

Seventeen faculty members lead courses that focus on everything from public law and Congress to the politics of China and political philosophy. By design, the professor-to-student ratio remains 1:14, allowing you to get to know your faculty mentors and engage with them both in and outside of class. Plan a visit to Furman’s beautiful campus or start your application today.

How will you learn?

Engage deeply in the subject matter through in-class simulations of real-world political scenarios. Connect with your campus community through the Political Thought Club or award-winning Mock Trial program. Learn from acclaimed scholars through the Tocqueville Program, and nurture your passion for public policy through The Riley Institute. Participate in national and international internships in faculty-led programs in Washington, D.C., Scotland, Belgium or Canada. Or take a three-week May Experience excursion in Scandinavia, Europe, Latin America or China.

Conduct research with faculty and present at national conferences or publish your work to give you a leg up wherever you land after graduation. Address human rights issues in our local community by interning in our one-of-a-kind, in-house legal clinic, the Justicia Project. Register and educate new voters through our DinsVote student initiative. Take your first steps by contacting admissions or reading more about how to apply.

Featured politics & international affairs courses

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
  • 95%
    participate in at least one internship
  • 93%
    are employed or continue their education post-graduation
  • 82%
    participate in at least one study away

What our students say:

“My time at Furman wouldn’t be the same without my professors. Some of my favorite memories are long talks in their offices after class, traveling together to D.C. and building relationships with their families. My professors have helped me become a stronger student and more thoughtful person.”
– Diana Oxner ’21

Our faculty

Michael Bressler

Professor, Politics and International Affairs

Teresa Nesbitt Cosby

Professor, Politics & International Affairs

David Fleming

Associate Professor, Politics and International Affairs; Senior Researcher, Riley Institute

Cleveland Fraser

Professor, Politics and International Affairs; Coordinator, APEC

Donald Gordon

Executive Director, Riley Institute; Professor, Politics and International Affairs

Jim Guth

William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor, Politics and International Affairs; Senior Distinguished Fellow, Riley Institute; Distinguished Scholar for the Tocqueville Center

Katherine "Kate" Kaup 白荷婷

James B. Duke Professor of Asian Studies and Politics and International Affairs

Akan Malici

Professor, Politics and International Affairs

Robert L’Arrivee

Assistant Professor, Politics & International Affairs

Brent Nelsen

JANE FISHBURNE HIPP PROFESSOR, POLITICS AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS; DIRECTOR, THE TOCQUEVILLE CENTER

Buket Oztas

Assistant Professor, Politics and International Affairs; Co-chair, Middle East and Islamic Studies

Elizabeth Smith

Professor, Department of Politics and International Affairs; Assistant Faculty Director, The Cothran Center for Vocational Reflection

Danielle Vinson

Professor, Politics and International Affairs
purple arrow

Politics & International Affairs Major F.A.Q.

REQUEST INFORMATION
Loading...

EXPLORE THE ADVANTAGE